Bahubali is a prominent figure in Jain tradition, known for renunciation, intense meditation, and spiritual achievement.

Key life outline:

• Birth and family: Bahubali was the son of Rishabhanatha (Adinath), the first Tirthankara, and Sunanda. He was the brother of Bharata Chakravarti. He initially ruled part of the world before renouncing it.
• Renunciation: After defeating Bharata in a famous contest for the empire, Bahubali grew disillusioned with worldly power. He renounced his throne, wealth, and clothes and became a monk, choosing the path of spiritual liberation.
• Meditation: Bahubali stood in a motionless meditation posture (kayotsarga) for a long period; vines and creeping plants are said to have grown around his legs as he persevered.
• Kevala Jnana and Moksha: Through deep penance, he attained kevala jnana (omniscience) and, in the Digambara tradition, is counted among those who achieved liberation (moksha). He is revered as a siddha, a liberated soul.
• Importance and iconography: Bahubali’s life symbolizes supreme renunciation, self-control, and forgiveness. The celebrated Gommateshwara (Bahubali) statue at Shravanabelagola is a monumental reminder of his story; every 12 years, Mahamastakabhishek is performed on that statue.

Differences between Digambar and Shwetambar traditions:

• Both traditions recount Bahubali’s renunciation and attainment of spiritual realization, but Bahubali is not counted as a Tirthankara in either tradition. The main emphasis is on his path to omniscience and liberation, with regional details and devotional practices varying between Digambar and Shwetambar communities. The core message—renunciation, penance, and triumph over ego—remains the same in both.

You can read more here and about the Bahubali statue and shrine here